Vacuum-producing apparatus



April 5 1927 R. H. FREDERlcK VACUUM PROUCING APPARATUS Filed June 2. 15526 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 MI l. mi WW l l- I-: m beh. /w QW QN. QQ

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0 1,623,103 Aplll 5 1927' R. H. FREDERICK VACUUM PRODUC I NG APPARATUS Filed June 2. 1926 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 l 623 103 Apnl 51927' R. H. FREDERICK VACUUM PRODUCING APPARATUS Filed June 2. 1926 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 April 5 1927. 1,623,103

R. H; FREDERICK VACUUM PRoDUcING APPARATUS Filed J}1 e 1926 4 sheets-sheet 4 Patented Apr. 5, v1927 l UNITED STATESA PATENT oFFlc H. FREDERICK, OF IEVINGTON, NEW JERSEY, ASSIGNOR F TWO-FIFTHS TO CHARLES F. AMES, OF BROOKLYN, NEW YORK, AND ONE-FIFTH TO ALPHONSE H. E.

BERCHEM, or NEW YORK, N. Y.

VACUUM-PRODUCING APPARATUS.

Application led June 2,

This invention relates to vacuum roducing apparatus for' use more particu arly in connection with or as a part of a vacuum steam heating system for the purpose of effecting the removal of fluid accumulations, as ai r= and'water, from the radiators and progressively delivering the surplus or accumulated water to a boiler feed-pipe or the likes" The object of my invention is to provide' an apparatus of simpleand durable construction including a novel rotary pump element whereby the kinetic energy Aor' a body of water is efficiently generated by centrifugal force and utilized to create a partial vacuum of high degree which is effective to exhaust from the return-of a. steam heating system air and water accumulations, `and. deliver them, entrained with the motive liquid, into a. chamber lwithin which the air and noncondensible fluid are separated from the water and permittedto escape, and Within which chamber is maintained a uniform Fig.

Fig. 4 isa longitudinal'vertical section of one ot' the pump umts.

Fig. 5 is a transverse section through the K pump unit 'as on the line 5- 5 of Fig. 4.

Fig. v6 is a similar section, as on theline 646 of Fig. 4. -v

Fig. 7"' a sectional detail, enlarged, of the Venturi nozzle of the vacuum impeller and the diti'user chan'iber.

Referring t'o the drawings,'lddesignates a horizontally-disposed tank supported by two spaced-apart hollow legs ,11, 12 rising from a 'suitable bed 13. This 'tank is preferably a cast-iron structure dividedl into two.- compartments 14, `15 by means of a vertical 1928. Serial No. 113,308.

partition or baille 16 which terminates at a defined level below the top of the tank,'as clearly seen iirFig. 2. The compartment 14 constitutes a receiving chamber for the motive liquid and the entrained air, vapors, etc., withdrawn from a vacuum-steam heating system, and the compartment 15 constitutes an overflow chamber intowhich the water contents-of the chamber 14 flow as rapidly as the'condensate raises the level of the liquid above the top of the baille. Thetank l0 is provided above the chamber 14 with an opening 17 having a suitable fitting comprising a water supply pipe 18 and an air veilt pipe 19. Preparatory to the operation' of the apparatus make-up water is supplied to the tank chambers through the pipe y18until the contained water is level with the top of the balle'lti. A suitable water gauge 20 is connected with ,the chamber 1'5, to indicate the water levelin the latter;

Each of the legs 11, 12 is provided with a vertical partition 21 to ,afford twoparallel conduits 22, and the bottom of the tank is provided in each compartment with two transversely extending chambers 23 in communication with the respective conduits 22.

l/ach pair of chambers 23 are afforded by,

an inverted box'21 transversely partitioned at 25, formed in the bottom portion of the tank, one ot' the -side walls of each box being provided with ports 26 leading to the respective chambers 23 and having suitable hand-operated valves 27 whereby the ports, or any ofy thelm, may be openedor closed, as occasion may require.

'lhe tank chambers 1415 are independently connected to suitable centrifugal pump `units A, B which are mounted on the bed 13, adjacent the respective sides of the tank. These pump units are identicall in construction and therefore a description of one will suflice. ln the present instance each unit includes two rotary impellers 28, 29 which are fast on a power drivenfshaft() and are rotatable thereby withintwo spaced-apart chambers .31, 32 formed inthe pump casing 33. "lhe impeller 28 is operative to establish and maintain a continuous circulation of the liquid to and from the receiving chamber and create a sustained vacuum which effects the withdrawal ot' the accumulations of air, vapor, etc., fromthe heating system and their entrainment with the motive liquid in its return to the receiving chamber; and the impeller 29 is operative to. withdraw the surplus water continuously from the chamf ber and deliver it' to a boiler feed pipe, as 34.- I.'

The impeller chamber 31 ,is of circular form and the vacuum im eller therein A1s provided `with a central in et eye 35 and `a circumferential Venturi nozzle 36. The 1n# let eye communicates with an inlet port 37 vformed in the casing, which'port, in turn, is connected with one of the conduits 22 in the ad'acent leg 12 by means of 'a passage 38 w ich is formed in the b'ed. Hence when the ort in the` chamber v23 to which the conduit v"leads is open, the water connu ar chamber 39 into whichy the liquid is forcibly discharged Vfrom the impeller nozzle, and in and adjacent the path of this nozzle is a vacuum chamber 40 including orts 41 which are connected with .the return line of the heating system by means of a assage 42- formed in the bed. Hence the iquid annulus creates-and maintains in the chamber 40 a partial vacuumv sufficient to eject air, vapor and water from the heating system, which Huid is entrained with the water entering the chamber 39. .This chamber 39 is preferably provided with vanes 420 which are so isposed as to intercept and diffuse the li uids and gases delivere to the chamber, w ich uids are thereupon discharged into a volute chamber 43 surrounding the diluser chamber. The outlet 44 from the, volute chamber communicates with (a passage 45 formed in an L-shaped conduit 46 connecting the pump casing and one side of the tank, 'which passage leads to the top of the receiving chamber 14, and discharges the fiuid forcibly inward in a horizontal path. The fluid thus discharged strikes a baffle 47 depending from the top of the tank, andv is thereby well scattered and diffused upon its deliver tothe receiv ing chamber; the condensib e vapors commmgling with the water in the tank and the air and non-condensible' vapors escap-y ing by way of the vent pipe 19.

@n addition to the passage 45 the conduit 46 has two additional passages 48, 49 which alord communication etween the tank and the upper ends of two ports 50, 51, respectively, which are formed in the upper part of the casing. These ports communicate at their lower ends with the central inlets (35, 56) of the res ective impellers 28, 29 and therefore aifor vents for the diversion l and escape of the entrained non-condensible gases which would otherwise pass with the liquids into the impellers.

In the present instance, wherein two pump units, each of twin impeller construction, are employed, the passages 42 from the respective pumps lead to a common transverse connecting passage 52 at the end of the bed adjacent the chamber 14, and to this passage is e(()peratively connected, through an interpos combined check valve (53) and stramer structure (54), theI return line from the system to be exhausted. As herein illustrated thepassage 52 is` constituted vby the cross-member of 4a T-itting to the central member of which the check-valve and strainer'structue are-connected; the ends of the cross-'member having port connections ,52'- to therespective bed passages 42. Each of the ort connections is providedfwith a handp valve 53 by means of which the adjacent port can be opened or closed at will. One twin impellerlpump, (or two single impeller pump units) may be employed, instead vof the double twin pump arrangement herein illustrated, and in some installations the vacuum pump may be used independently of Ithe pressure pump.

The impeller chamber 32 1n each of the pump caslngs is of volute form with a suitably located outlet port 55, and the impeller 29,A which is mounted in this chamber, is provided with a central inlet eye 56 in communication with an inlet port 57 formed in the casing, which port 57, in turn, is connected with one o the conduits 22 in the formed in the bed. Hence when the ort d 26 in the chamber 23 to which the con uit leads is open, water Hows from the tank chamber 15 to the interior of the impeller 29 and is ejected therefrom into the portA 55. This port communicates with a passage 59 formed in the bed 13, which passage is connected with the, boiler A'feedi e through a suitably-located T-tting 60. e cross-member of this fitting is provided at its ends with port connection., 61 to the respective bed passages 5.9, and each connection 1s equi ped with a hand valve 62 by means ,ofl w ich the adjacent port can be opened or closed, at will. The central member of the T-itting has connected thereto a suitable check valve 63 included in the feed-pipe for the boiler.

Assuming the chambers 14 and -15 of the tank to be supplied with make-up water ,to

the level of the topjof the baie 16,' and the ports 26 for the respective bottom chambers 23 to be open, as well as the port connections 52',v and 61 'for the system4 return andfboiler feed pipe respectively, it will be seenvthat the impellers of the respective pumps are submer ed; Hence` when the pumps yare actuate the impellers 28;'effect acontmuous `returns thencel by way ofthe ports 44 and conduits 45 to thel top of the tank chamber 14, Where thewater mpinges against thev opposing bafile 47. The energy of the annu ar walls of liquid in their passage fromk the Venturi nozzles of the-impellers 28 to the diffuser chamber. creates' and maintains partial vacua in the res ective vacuum chambers, the force of wliic vacua isy efl'ective to withdraw the accumulations of air, vapor, etc., from the' lieatin system and cause their entrainment with t e liquid flowing to the chamber 14 of the tank, aspreviou'sly mentioned. The air and non-con- .densible fluids delivered to this chamber 14 and separated therein from the water escapes through the vent pipe 19 at the top `of' the tank, while the water of condensation mixes'witli and variably increases the volumeofthe liquid contents of the chamber 14, the excess liquid in the 'latter flo-wing over the baille 16 into the chamber 15. This baille 16 thus ensures a uniform' water level in the chamber 15, and in conse uence an .efficient water seal for the system,.including the pumps, is maintained. v

The surplus water flowing over the baffle into theI tank chamber 15 is constantly withdrawn from the latter bythe action of the im 11ers 29; that is to say, these im 11ers wit draw the water-by wayof the a jacent chambers l23, conduits 22, passages 58 and port 57, andv forcibly dischar e the water into the volute chambers 32 an through theoutlet 55 into the passa e 59, whence it flows under pressure throug the check-valve 63 into the boiler feed-pipe 34.

The 'effective service of the apparatus can be readily reduced, if occasion requires, by merel;y stoppin one of the pump units A or B an closing t e ports 26, 52 and 61 at the side of the tank adjacent` the idle pump. lIn that event the impeller 28 of the active pump unit will vfunction to circulate` the water, gases, etc., through the tank chamber 14 and the impeller 29 of such unit will force the Water from the other tank 'chamber .15 to and through the boiler feed-pipe.

I claimj 1 l. In ayvacuun'i producing apparatus for steam heating systems, the combination with a receiver for motive liquid and condensate, of a pumpelement including' an impeller chamber, ya rotary vacuum impeller therein having al central inlet and a continuous circumferential discharge venturi, a 1 connection affording communication between the"` receiverand the central inlet, an annular chamber yencirclin the venturi and spaced therefrom, where yv a diverging. annular stream .of liquid is forcibly discharged intov the' said chamber and against the walls thereof, thus producing anejector effect and a 76 Water seal, a vacuumy space withiny which the venturi rotates, said space being 1n operative communication with the annular chamber and the return line of the steam heating system, and, a discharge connection B0 ,of a pump element including an impeller chamber, a rotary vacuum impeller therein having a central inlet and a continuous circumferential discharge venturi, a connection oeiver and the central inlet, an` annular chamber encirclin the venturi andk spaced therefrom, whereby a diverging annular stream of liquid is forcibly discharged into the said 4chamber and against the walls thereof, thus lproducing an ejector effect and a/water seal, spaced apartfdifluser blades'in said annular chamber, a vacuum spacewithf in which the venturi rotates, said space being in operative communication with the annular chamber and thel return line, of the steam heating system, anda discharge connection between thevsaid chamber and the upper part of the receiver.'

3.' In "a vacuum producing apparatus for steam heating systems, the combination withk a receiver and an overflow chamber in communication therewith, of a pump element including a rotary vacuum impeller having a circumferential dischar e venturi, an annular chamber encircling 51e venturi, inlet connections vleading from the receiver to the impeller, and discharge connections leading rom the annular chamber to the receiver, whereby motive fluid is withdrawn from the receiver by the impeller and forcibly dischar ed into the annular chamber, a space in which the venturi rotates and in which a. vacuum is created by the ejector effect of the liquid discharged from the venturi, a connection between said space and the return of the, steam heatin system, wherebythe force of the vacuum eects the withdrawal of the air and vapors from the system and their entra-inment with the discharged motive fluid, a second pum elementincluding a rotary pressure iin ler,andl operative connections whereby t ie latter impeller `forcibly lvlithdraws liquid from the overflow chamaffording communication between the re- 0 4. In avacuum producing apparatus -for steam heatingsystems, the combination with a receiver for motive liquid and condensate, of a pump element including an impeller chamber, a rotaryvacuum impeller therein having a central inlet and a vcontinuous circumferential discharge venturi,.a connection affording 'communication between the receiver and central inlet, an annular chamber encircling the venturi and spaced therefrom, whereby a diverging annular stream of liquid is forcibly discharged into the said chamber and against the walls thereof, thus producing arr ejector effect and a water seal, a vacuum space within which the venturi lrotates, said space. beiig in operative communication with 'the lannular chamber and the return line of the steam heating system, a discharge `connection lbetween the said chamber and the upper part of the receiver, and vent means between the impeller inlet and the receiver. 5. In a vacuum producing apparatus for steam heating systems, the combination with a receiver and an overflow chamber in communication therewith, of a pump element including a rotary vacuum impellerhaving a circumferential dischar e venturi, an annular chamber encircling t e venturi, inlet connections leadinr from the receiver to the impeller, 4and discharge connections leading from the annular chamber lo the receiver, whereby motive fluid is withdraw from the receiver by the impeller and forcibly dischar ed into the annular chamber, a space in w ich the venturi rotates and in which a vacuum is created'by the ejector effect of the liquid discharged from the venturi, a connection between said space and the return of the steam heating system, whereby the force of the Avacuum effects the withdrawal of the air and vapors from the s stem and their entrainment with the discharged motive fluid, a second pump element including a rotary pressure impeller, operative connections whereby the latter impeller forcibly withdraws liquid from the overfiow chamber, and vent means between the respective impeller inlets and the receiver.

6. In a vacuum producing apparatus for steam heating systems, the combination with a receiver and an overflow chamber in communication therewith,of a pump element including a rotary vacuum impeller having a circumferential dischar e venturi, an annuvlar chamber encircling t e venturi, inlet connections leadin from the receiver to the impeller, and discharge connections leading from the annular` chamber to the' receiver,

whereby motive fluid is withdrawnfroni the receiver by the impeller and forcibly discharged iiito the annular chamber, a space in which the venturi rotates and in which a vacuum is created by the ejector effect of the liquid discharged from the venturi, ay

connection between said space and the return of the steam heating system, whereby the force'of the vacuum effects the withdrawal of the air and vapors from y'the system and their entrainment with the discharged mo- 'let port in connection with said eye, a vent port in communication with the inlet port and with the upper part of the receiver, an annular chamber encircling the said impeller and spacedl therefrom, a vacuum space within which the circumferential outlet rotates, a bed upon which the pump element is mounted, a leg rising from said bed and supporting the receiver, said leg having a conduit therein leading to the receiver, and said bed having therein two passages, one of which connects the leg conduit with the said inlet port, and the other of which passages connects the vacuum space ,with the return line of the heating system, an annular chamber encircling the circumferential outlet of the impeller and spaced therefrom, and a discharge connection between said chamber and the upper part of the receiver.

8. In a vacuum producing apparatus for steam heating systems, the combination with a receiver for motive liquid and condensate, of a pump element including a rotary vacuum impeller having afcentral inlet eye and a contracted circumferential outlet, an inlet port in communication with said eye, an anthe impeller andspaced therefrom, and a.

discharge connection between said chamber and the upper part of the receiver.

9. In a' vacuum producing apparatus for steam heating systems, 'the combination with a receiver for motive liquid and condensate, and an overflow chamber in open communication with said receiver at a defined water level, of a pump element including an im peller chamber, a. rotary vacuum impeller ltherein having a central 1nlet eye and a coni tracted circumferentiaioutlet, an inlet port 1n communicatlon with said eye, an annular chamber encircling the saidy impeller andl spaced therefrom, a vacuum space within which the circumferential outlet rotates, a bed upon which the pump element. is mounted, a supporting leg rising from said bed and having a conduit therein leading to the receiver, said bed having therein two passages, one of which connects the leg conduit with the said' inlet port.a`nd the other oi which passages connects the vacuum space .with the return line of the heating-system, an annular chamber encircling the circumferential outlet of the impeller and spaced therefrom, a discharge connection' between said chamber and the upper part of the receiver, a second pump element including an impeller chamber, a rotary pressure impeller therein having a central inlet eye and a circumferential discharge outlet, an inlet port in communication with the latter eye, an outlet port from the latter im ller chamber, a second Supporting leg rislng from said bed and having aconduit therein leading to the overflow chamber, said bed having two additional passages whereof one connects the kseeond leg conduit with the inlet port for the pressure impeller and the other of which passages constitutes a discharge from the outlet port.

10. In` a vacuum producing apparatus for steam heating systems, the combination with the receiver for the motive liquid and condensate, of a pluralityiof impellers, means for rotating said impellers, one ofv said impellers having a connection forl delivering the return liquid from the system to the receiverthrough an annular nozzle directed into a chamber surrounding the nozzle in communication with the receiver,` a'vacuum chamber at each side of the nozzle in communication with the return from the system and from which air and vapor are drawn by the nozzle into the first mentioned chamber, connections between `the second impellei and thereceiver, and a connection between the second-impeller and thefeed side of the system for drawing water from the receiver and delivering it to the system.

Signed at New York in the county and State of New York this 28th day of May, A. D. 1926. v

RHEUEL H. FREDERICK.

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